engleski

The impact of age and sex on behavior and mood changes, sleep habits and attitudes toward vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: To determine whether there were changes in behavior, mood and sleep habits during the lockdown caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus depending on age and sex, and to analyze attitudes toward vaccination. Subjects and methods: During the two months (February 26 - April 26, 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic, 636 people (74% women) completed an online questionnaire sent via social media, using a snowball method. Most respondents were resided in Croatia (62.26%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (29.72%) and Germany (6.92%). Demographic data, data on attitudes toward vaccination, and data on changes in behavior, mood and sleep habits before and during lockdown were collected. Results: Overall respondents reported to exercise less and spend more time on social media during pandemic (P <0.001). They went to bed and got up later during the lockdown. Women and respondents younger than 30 years had greater difficulty falling asleep and more frequent presence of insomnia (P <0.001). Women and respondents over the age of 30 better adhered to pandemic measures. Slightly higher propensity to get vaccinated was shown by men compared to women, and respondents older than 30 years compared to younger ones. Women and respondents under the age of 30 were more prone to exhibit worsened mood during this pandemic (P <0.001). Conclusion: Given that respondents' habits mostly deteriorated during lockdown and sedentary lifestyle has become even more pronounced, it is necessary to promote the benefits of regular physical activity, mental health care and the importance of sleep quality to get through this sensitive period trying to minimize negative long- term consequences.

SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 pandemic ; lockdown ; behavior ; sleep habits ; vaccination

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